All Things Considered for February 28, 2012 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

'Buzzer' challenges the idea of 'post-racial' America
A new play premiering at Pillsbury House Theatre in Minneapolis, explores how race can even overshadow close friendships. Its creators tried to capture what a conversation on race might sound like.4:20 p.m.
In Rushford, officials hope state bonding bill will fund new school
The fact that Rushford needs a new school isn't that incredible: Scores of districts across Minnesota could make compelling arguments for new facilities. But Rushford-Peterson school district wants to pay for it through state funding instead of raising local property taxes.4:50 p.m.
State facility for the mentally ill risks losing license over turmoil
The Minnesota Security Hospital shows little sign of turning around a trend of worsening problems and new tensions that have surfaced, according to employees interviewed by MPR News and previously unreleased data from the state Department of Human Services.5:20 p.m.
No snow emergencies in Twin Cities this winter - so far
More than two months after the official start of winter, Minnesota's two largest cities have yet to declare a snow emergency. While the mild winter has been good for city budgets, city workers who relish working overtime are left disappointed.5:24 p.m.
Sabo bridge closure extended after more damage found
Last week, a metal plate connecting a pair of cables to the bridge broke and fell. The city closed the bridge after engineers found another damaged plate nearby. Now they say two more plates are cracked and need repair.5:50 p.m.
NASCAR a marketing bonanza for Minnesota companies
Five Minnesota companies sponsored cars racing in Monday's Daytona 500. One of those cars was involved in a fiery crash and another won the race. Even if racing seems far removed from a company's business, auto racing sponsorships are viewed by more companies as a smart marketing move.5:54 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

EU Hopes To Build Financial 'Firewall'
European Union leaders gather at the end of the week, but have delayed a decision on whether to build a bigger financial firewall after giving Greece another bailout.
IMF Chief Christine Lagarde: The European Union Is 'A Work In Progress'
In an interview with NPR, Lagarde said the loose governmental nature of the union is a problem, a challenge and perhaps a solution.
Santorum, Romney Duke It Out In Michigan
With polls showing Rick Santorum giving Mitt Romney a serious challenge in Michigan — where Romney's father was governor — the GOP race for president looks even more uncertain than it did a few weeks ago. Robert Siegel talks with Mara Liasson about Tuesday's primaries in Michigan and Arizona.
How Far Will The Changes In Myanmar Go?
Myanmar is opening up, after a nominally civilian government replaced a decades-old military regime last year and began political changes. The metamorphosis is occurring from the top down. But crucial questions remain unanswered, and it's unclear whether the moves are permanent.
Gay Marine's Kiss Was 'Four Years Of Pent-Up Emotion And Secret Love'
Marine Sgt. Brandon Morgan's homecoming kiss with his partner went viral after a photo was put online. For Morgan, being able to publicly express his love now that "don't ask, don't tell" is history was emotional.
Obama Delivers Rousing Speech To Autoworkers
President Obama addressed the United Auto Workers union in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Just as voters in Michigan were heading to the polls to name their choice for the Republican presidential nomination, Obama reminded the union that he helped save the auto industry in 2009.
As GOP Races On, Puerto Rico Could Be Battleground
Puerto Rico holds its Republican primary in March. The island's Republican rising star governor, Luis Fortuno, has endorsed former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. In return, Romney has promised to support statehood for Puerto Rico.
Co-Creator Of 'Berenstain Bears' Book Series Dies
Jan Berenstain, co-creator of the beloved children's series, The Berenstain Bears, died Friday at the age of 88. Jan and her husband Stan published their first book — The Big Honey Hunt — in 1962. The series grew to more than 300 books and sold more than 250 million copies worldwide. Audie Cornish speaks with the couple's son, illustrator Mike Berenstain, who continued working on the books with his mother until her death last week.
Carnaval In Uruguay: Choir Competitions In The Streets
For 40 days the singers parody everything in Uruguayan life, then go back to their regular jobs.
Heartless Bastards: Rousing Songs, Born On The Road
The band's fourth album is the product of a cross-country sojourn by singer Erika Wennerstrom.